October is Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DDVAM), and one of the many ways Elizabethtown College honored this is with the Silent Witness Display.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, DDVAM is a chance for people to unite in the work to end domestic violence, which is defined as abuse or aggression that occurs in a domestic setting, such as marriage or cohabitation. It is often used in conjunction with Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), or abuse that happens within a romantic relationship.
Assistant Director of Health Promotion Joni Eisenhauer thinks this month is crucial to recognize.
“Whether or not someone realizes it, they will know someone who has experienced domestic violence or will unfortunately experience it themselves,” Eisenhauer said. “Knowing the signs of unhealthy relationships and being aware of the resources available is the start of advocacy.”
The Silent Witness Display is a traveling exhibit from Lancaster General Health. The display of life-sized figures represents the people who died of domestic violence in Lancaster County. According to the Lancaster General Health website, the goal of the exhibit is to “promote the need and hope for change.”
The display was in the lower lounge of the Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness and Well-being from Oct. 17-21. Resources and additional information were also available.
“Learning about the stories of others brings awareness to the situation far beyond what any brochure or flier could do,” Eisenhauer said about the impact of the display. “It’s disturbing yet empowering – it makes me angry that violence like this is occurring and affecting so many lives, but yet it also makes me want to be a better friend, mentor and advocate for individuals struggling in unhealthy relationships.”
Eisenhauer said that the College plans to continue this display in future years as long as it is available as they partner with Lancaster General Health’s Community Action Partnership program.
Etown has been recognizing this month through several events. Students may have noticed #LoveDoesntHurt flyers throughout campus, and this was a Title IX campaign to bring awareness to what love and healthy relationships look like. There have also been special editions of Crafts and Conversations throughout the month. Oct. 20 was Purple Thursday, and this was a day where people could help raise awareness of domestic violence by wearing purple, a color that represents survival and courage for many.
The work to end domestic violence goes beyond the month of October, though, and there are little things every person can do to bring awareness to these very real issues. Some of these may include recognizing red flags in relationships, learning about resources available and listening and believing people when they share their stories.
Eisenhauer wants students to know that there are many resources available to them on campus, including “It’s On Us club, Title IX office, counseling services, the chaplain’s office and many others that are willing to listen.”
“If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty in a relationship…please reach out to those who can be a voice for you and assist you,” Eisenhauer said.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available to those in need 24/7/365. If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Text and online chat options are also available. To learn more, visit https://www.thehotline.org/.
